HeyCounsel Community Code of Conduct

Updated July 1, 2025

When we work together, we win together.

Cheesy? Sure.

But BigLaw, ALSPs, or DIY AI / tech platforms… they win when we isolate. So, while we’re all “independent”, we can still play the strength-in-numbers game. And by building something bigger than any one of us, we’ll create abundance for all of us.

This code of conduct encodes how we work together. It reflects the foundation we’ve built thus far - our community DNA - and It was drafted with learnings and feedback from running this community for several years. Please internalize these rules, champion our values and lead by example; everyone is here for a reason!

1. Give without expectation. Offer insights, refer work, share templates, support others. Don’t expect anything in return. Give help without keeping score and it will come back around.

2. No assholes allowed.
Everyone is free to disagree… after all, we’re lawyers. Just be respectful. We have zero tolerance for rudeness, bullying, or character attacks and the like.

3. Start your search with HeyCounsel.
We’re building an internal economy of trust and talent. If the right lawyer for the job isn’t a member, we understand, but please try looking here first. And if you do refer work out, please remember to invite that person if they’d be a good fit for HeyCounsel.

4. Never claim referrals or new work just to pass it on to lawyers who aren’t you.
This community is not a biz dev channel for your firm. If you’re sourcing work for another lawyer, either stop and invite them or just don’t do it at all.  When you respond to a request, it’s because you personally are qualified and available to do the work.

5. No SPAM. Sell on LinkedIn, not here.
No unsolicited pitches, no “looking for work” posts, and absolutely no cold sales DMs.

6. Everyone here has a day job!
Please refrain from distracting behavior in channels designed for productivity. Off-topic or self-serving posts burn social capital fast.

7. What’s shared here stays here.
Do not leak stories, resources, etc. outside of the community without getting the permission of the member who originally shared it.

8. Show up like a pro.
Use your real name. Add a headshot or real picture of yourself. Keep your information up to date.

9. Respect the thread structure in Slack.
If you’re responding to a comment, please use the thread feature in Slack to keep communications organized. (NOTE: Thread-shaming is the only type of shaming allowed… so if you see someone violating this rule, please get them in line. But please respect Rule #2).

10. Limit public disagreements to the substance of ideas, not personal attacks.
Address personal concerns directly with individuals.

11. Don’t litigate ethics or code violations in public.
This includes accusing members of making ethical missteps. If you see questionable behavior, flag it to the HeyCounsel team or message the member directly. Public callouts chill dialogue and create unnecessary drama. (Exception: Rule #9).

12. Say please, thank you, and you’re welcome. Every time. -love, mom

13. Clear questions lead to better answers.
Include context, goals, and constraints in all requests or questions. Help others help you. Don’t make others fish for important facts or details when helping you out. Provide the jurisdiction. Spell out acronyms. Make things easy.

14. Make room for the quiet voices.
Of course we love the water cooler gang (you know who you are), but leave some space for others to chime in. Better yet, if you know they’d be a great addition to a discussion, tag them!

15. Keep AI responses off the platform unless specifically asked for or warranted.
And always disclose when any portion of your response or input is AI generated.

16. One strike is enough.
Depending on the severity or nature of the act, we won’t wait for multiple violations or issues to remove members from the community.

17. Multiple complaints can lead to removal.
Individual community members can have an outsized negative impact on the community’s morale. If we receive multiple complaints regarding behavior from a member on our Slack, we reserve the right to temporarily or permanently suspend that member’s right to participate in our Slack, even if the member has not otherwise violated an explicit term of this Code of Conduct.

‍We’re always learning, so these rules will surely evolve. Please continue to check our Code of Conduct. We’ll try to keep things short and relevant.

Please also see our Terms of Service, which includes prohibited conduct (things like sexual assault, hate speech, and some more obvious no-no’s).